Short answer: before an agency hands a client project to a white-label development partner, it should ask seven questions: who owns the code, will you contact my client, how are scope and timeline fixed, how do I pay, how do I see progress, what happens after delivery, and can we start with a small pilot? The partner who answers all seven in writing is the one worth signing with.
Most agency problems with outside developers do not come from the code. They come from things never agreed before the start. This checklist protects the agency and its client.
1. Who owns the source code?
The right answer: the agency or its client, never the developer. Ask for the code in a Git repository under your agency's name at every milestone, not only at the end, with setup documentation so any team can continue later. See how a white-label development partner works for agencies.
2. Will you contact my client?
The answer must be "never". A serious partner accepts a contract clause forbidding direct contact with the agency's client and delivers everything under the agency's name: app-store listings, hosting, reports, even support messages.
3. How are scope and timeline fixed?
Ask for a written proposal within 24 hours that lists screens and features, what is out of scope, the timeline in weeks and the delivery milestones. A verbal quote or "let's start and see" means endless paid changes. The estimating method is explained in how to estimate software project cost.
4. How do I pay?
In milestones tied to deliverables you can actually test: for example 40% at kick-off, 30% at the test build, 30% at final delivery. Never pay for a phase before you see it working, and never accept a discount in exchange for dropping testing or documentation.
5. How do I see progress without being technical?
- A staging link updated weekly that you and your client can open.
- A short weekly report: what was done, what is next, what needs your decision.
- Repository access so you know code is really being written.
6. What happens after delivery?
Apps need security updates, periodic store releases and small changes the client asks for. Ask for a monthly maintenance contract with a clear scope. It is what turns one project into recurring revenue for the agency. More in Flutter apps for agencies.
7. Can we try you first?
A confident partner accepts a small, well-scoped pilot project or offers a free technical review of an existing project. It is the cheapest way to judge code quality and punctuality before a large contract.
Early warning signs
- No written proposal, or a proposal with no "out of scope" section.
- Full payment upfront, or refusal of milestone payments.
- Dodging the code-ownership question, or handing over code "at the end".
- No staging link for a similar previous project.
How Money Leek works with agencies
We build websites, online stores, mobile apps and custom systems entirely under your agency's name: written proposal within 24 hours, milestone payments, code on Git under the agency's name, zero contact with your client, and a monthly maintenance contract with every delivery. For the custom-versus-ready decision see custom system vs off-the-shelf software. To request a proposal for your client's project: contact us.
Anything custom you have in mind, we can build it exactly as you picture it.
FAQ
Does an agency need an in-house tech team to work with a white-label development partner?
No. The partner handles analysis, build, testing and deployment; the agency only needs someone to gather client requirements and review deliverables.
How does an agency make sure the partner never contacts its client directly?
With an explicit contract clause forbidding direct contact, and by delivering everything under the agency's name and accounts.
Who owns the source code in white-label development?
The agency or its client, as agreed. The full code is delivered in a Git repository under the agency's name with setup docs at every milestone.
What payment structure suits white-label projects?
Milestone payments tied to testable deliverables, for example 40% at kick-off, 30% at the test build and 30% at final delivery.
How can an agency test a partner before a big project?
With a small, well-scoped pilot project or a free technical review of an existing project, to judge code quality and punctuality before a larger contract.
What happens after delivery?
The partner continues under a monthly maintenance contract covering security updates, small changes and app-store releases, so the agency's client is never left without support.